The Storm Rages                                Mark 4:35-41

Today’s events take place rather early in Jesus’ ministry. We know this from verse 41 where the disciples ask each other, “Who is this?” But let’s look at this from the beginning,    verse 35, “That day, when evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us go to the other side.’”

Jesus is talking to his followers, to those who believe in him, or at least those who may not fully understand but are trying to understand who he is. Jesus is giving direction to the people. And since the boats of the time took a fair amount of expertise and experience to sail, he’s telling those with him to extend their efforts, use their skills and knowledge to take him to the other side of the lake. Later in Mark 5 we see as soon as Jesus arrived on the far shore, a demon possessed man came up to him for help.

Here we sit, believers to be true. But what does Jesus tell us to do? He tells us the same things he tells those with him by the lake; I want you to go somewhere with me. They went to the other shore, where are we to go? That’s a question only each one of us can answer for ourselves.

Where did God send me? First to seminary to learn, to see his word opened up like I never imagined. Next to a church in Kingston where I could learn how to present his word properly, in ways that people could understand, hopefully in ways that make people think about the scripture verses that are presented. Then God sent me to the Katsbaan Church so I could help them. And when the time was right, he sent me here to build the relationships we have, here so we can learn from each other and explore his word together.

Where does God send you? Is it to work at the Well or the Food Pantry? Is it to volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club? Is it to drive the elderly or shut ins to doctor’s appointments? Is it to join a mission team to go help rebuild homes in Jamaca? Is it to go to Ecuador to share the word with those who have been denied hearing it?

God has an infinite number of places he can send us, and an infinite amount of work we can do for him. And when you’re not sure where God you, Jesus gives us the way to discern what God is telling you, and it’s in the example of the boats. Remember, it took skill,      knowledge, and experience to navigate a first century boat. When looking to see where God wants to send you, look first at the knowledge and experience he has already given you. I may not have the skills to go to a storm ravaged area and build a house, but I can go to that same area and work in a first aid station, caring for injuries. Look to see what you’re good at and seek ways to use that skill for God.

Next, many people read these lines and deduce that Jesus sends his followers to do his work, and he does. But let’s look at verse 36, “Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along…There were also other boats with them.”

Jesus didn’t just go with his twelve closest apostles; he invited and took many others too. And these are the people who are simply curious about him, people who have heard of him and want to hear what he has to say for themselves. These are the people who are trying to figure out their own faith and where they fit into God’s plan. These people aren’t true believers yet, so why have them come along? Many times God moves people where he wants them, but again, why non-believers, especially if they’re not prepared to do his work?

Verse 37, “A furious squall came up…” I don’t know if God leads us into the storms of this life, or if he just allows them to come upon us, but I do know believers as well as non-believers deal with life’s turmoil. In our reading the disciples woke up a sleeping Jesus to get him to help. In our lives, sometimes these events are allowed as a way of reminding us who Jesus is. Jesus will sit back and watch, waiting for you to reach out to him. Remember God will not intrude where he’s not wanted; Matthew 7:8, “For everyone who asks, receives…” We must ask for God’s intervention.

Now this is great for believers but once more, why bring alone non-believers? God knows that sometimes it takes bringing a non-believer down until all they see as a way out is to seek God. Sometimes in the darkest times, God shines the brightest. And before you think that seems hash of God, remember what’s at stake, heaven or hell. And the suffering it takes to turn one to God is much less than the suffering one will ultimately undergo without God.

Notice in our account, these followers are dealing with the same storm the twelve are dealing with, and they see the twelve turn to Jesus in their need. This tells us something about bring Christ to others. One of the greatest testimonies you can give is letting others see how you rely on Jesus to lead you through the storms of your life. When others see nowhere to turn and witness the strength you receive by your turning to God, this very often is more powerful and speaks louder in their lives than anything you may say or do.

Verse 39, “He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, ‘Be still.’” The irony here is that it is the storm that is calmed and not the hearts of the disciples. Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” The waves in our life may not be stilled, the wind may not be quieted, But the calm in our hearts will come when we see Jesus in the middle of the storm with us.

The events today take place before Jesus’ death and resurrection, the people involved didn’t fully know who he was. But we live on this side of the cross, we know. In our fallen world the storms are not always calmed; the cancer may not go away, our son still died. But in the midst of our storms and battles, we can stay calm, and that is a great gift.

The last thing I want to talk about is something I came across as I was researching these verses. There are some scholars today that say Mark wrote this account about 35 to 40 years after Jesus ascended to heaven and they believe Mark used this story to describe the church.

At the time of the gospel’s writing the sea was often used to represent the realm of evil, a part of our world that cannot be controlled simply by the will of men. The storm represents the violence and persecution the early church had to endure. The boat with Jesus in it represents the church. At the time of this scripture’s writing many new believers were asking what the disciples asked in that boat, “Lord, don’t you care if we perish.”

This interpretation shows us Christian hope, that no matter what is going on around you, no matter what is happening to you, no matter Satan’s work in the world, nothing can remove the glory of heaven you have been given.

Know Jesus is in the storms of your life, riding them out right beside you. Turn to him and invite him into the fray. Be at peace, God stands in that boat with you.

God bless you

And his peace be with you

Amen